Lifetime Member

Over extended periods of time I think there is some risk of reducing certain trace elements. though, I think with our robust EI programs the risk to our plants are negligible.

Click to expand...

Depends which trace you use most likely. A lot of the more obscure trace elements aren't in CSM+B, hence the whole flourish supplementing thing. Carbon looses its efficiency after a while anyhow, so unless it's fresh stuff every few days it doesn't seem to do that much.

I'd use it as necessary for short term stuff, especially if it's with aquasoil; the plants can fall back on what ever trace they can find there.

Lifetime Member

It's the more obscure traces in the column that I'd be concerned for. Flourish provides these, though I don't really like to pay for constant dosing of it. I throw in a few ml's weekly because I've got a bottle hanging around, and I'm not sure of the finer trace details of my tap water.

Lifetime Member

All due respect, CSM+B, in particular with enriched substrates, water changes and feeding fish, pretty much takes care of all your minor and major trace elements.

I confess I do not run activated charcoal all the time in part because I worry, a little, about stripping minor trace elements. I am aware for instance that activated charcoal is pretty good at removing copper.

If you are really concerned with the minor trace items mash a daily multi-vitamin tablet an average tablet per hundred gallons once a month. I know some folks like to add a vitamin C tablet as well.

I orderd recently 3lb of CSM+B. Before using it, I have to finish my stock of TPN
The activated carbon will be removed after 3-5 days anyway. Just used it after the antibiotic treatment for cyano bacteria and to remove that bad smelling of BGA

About Us

Welcome to the Barr Report a place to learn about Aquariums, Aquarium Plants, Aquascaping, Emersed Growth and much much more!

Where Hobbyist help other Hobbyist!

Helping others gives you a sense of purpose and meaning. To this end, we seek the truth and new ways at looking at problems with aquatic horticulture. Often times, we just need the "more experienced" hobbyist to remind us of the basics. Even if you are quite experience already!